How to talk with anyone about politics
Communication Tips for Talking Politics
Thank you to everyone who attended our December Zoom meeting which was focused on communication and messaging. Here is the slidedeck from the meeting. To watch the recording of the Zoom meeting (55 minutes): Watch Zoom Recording and put in this password: +@04jV#O
Here are the resources that were mentioned or recommended:
Remember:
Be curious
Use active listening skills.
Ask How questions (How did you come to believe that? How or where do you see that happening in our community?)
Don't repeat the lie.
Lead with your experience or values
You're not winning an argument; you're planting seeds.
***The best way to create a social media post or write a letter to the editor is to use Race Class Narrative from Anat Shenker Osario (Values, Villain, Vision & Call to Action). Many of the links above can help you develop your message on a wide range of topics from immigration to voting, affordability to health care.***
Send us your stories of how you used the ideas and resources above in conversations or communications: IMV@IndivisibleMV.org. We'd love to share your experiences and successes (and lessons learned!) as we head into 2026. Authoritarianism and capture of our country by billionaires form an existential threat. We have to reach everyone we possibly can in order to win Congress and overcome any aura of inevitablity of a Trump Republican electoral success.
Rally With Us This Week
Even if you can only come for 20 or 30 minutes, put on your boots and coat and join a rally. We did have to cancel yesterday's rally but that was because of extreme weather. If rallies are cancelled by the organizers because of weather conditions, it will be posted at least an hour or two prior on our Indivisible Mohawk Valley Facebook page.
Weekly Saturday Protest Against the Trump Regime in Rome
Saturday, Dec. 13th, 12:00-1:30 pm,
Black River Boulevard & Erie Blvd. near Fort Stanwix in Rome
Weekly IMV Thursday Protest
Thursday, Dec. 18th, 3-4:30 pm
Corner of Burrstone Road and Champlin Avenue (Utica/New Hartford)
Park at Zion Lutheran Church on French Road
Our rallies build connection and community by showing up together regularly, and we let the public know that there is strong opposition to Trump, MAGA, and Project 2025 authoritarian policies.
Defend Children and Educators Against Turning Point USA in Schools
Mohawk Valley, did you know that Turning Point has a high school club called Club America?
Did you know their agenda is to expand these clubs into more of our schools—where chapters already exist in Clinton and New Hartford, and districts including Rome, Westmoreland, Boonville, Proctor, Central Valley, and Whitesboro have shown interest?
Did you also know that Turning Point maintains public watchlists targeting professors and school board members, labeling educators as “anti-American”?
Join IMV member and Defense of Democracy New York State Community Liaison Debbie Lindon on Monday December 15th at 7:30 pm via zoom to discuss how parents and school boards can be informed about the hidden agenda behind Club America. Registration is required to attend. Register: HERE.
Herkimer County Democratic Committee Fundraiser and Holiday Party
Join the Herkimer County Democratic Committee, and Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, for a virtual fundraiser on Tuesday, Dec. 16, from 6-7 pm. Thank Tom for all that he has done for our area. Buy a ticket and join him from home or attend the virtual watch party at 525 Albany Street, Little Falls. Thanks to the Public Campaign Finance Program, all donations up to $250 will be MATCHED! Afterward, enjoy our free POTLUCK HOLIDAY PARTY from 7-9 PM. Bring a treat to share and a folding chair if you have one.
Tickets for the Comptroller virtual fundraiser: https://secure.ngpvan.com/4_m1sYoi_kKDRGG9F1L8cA2
Former US Senator Jon Tester and Blake Gendebien: Zoom Fundraiser
You're cordially invited to attend a virtual conversation with two wonderful farmers: former US Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Blake Gendebien, candidate for New York's 21st Congressional District! Please see the event details below.
What: Virtual Conversation with Senator Jon Tester and Blake Gendebien
Where: Zoom (Link to Be Shared with Attendees)
When: 7:00-8:00 PM on Tuesday, Dec. 16
RSVP: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/tester_gendebien_zoom
Climate Crisis Working Group
ACTIONS TO TAKE FOR CLIMATE
1) Governor Hochul Needs to Sign the Bill to Repeal the 100 Foot Rule:
IMV’s Maggie Reilly spoke on behalf of upstate National Grid customers in the War Room at the State Capital yesterday to exhort the Governor to sign the bill repealing the 100-Foot Rule. Maggie stated that “We are in the National Grid Upstate Region where the Public Service Commission recently approved a multi-year rate hike. By the end of the third year a typical household could be paying an extra $600 per year. All while National Grid profits increased from ~ $378 M to $751 M, nearly doubling in a decade.” Read Maggie’s full remarks here. The bill, passed by the NYS Assembly and Senate, needs to be signed by the Governor by the end of December. It is a first step in stopping gas expansion in NYS and the only climate legislation passed in NY this year. Thanks to Maggie and the IMV members who joined Maggie.
Maggie Reily in Albany on 12/11/2025.
Urging Governor Hochul to sign the repeal of the 100-foot rule.
What you can do: Email Governor Hochul with our new online form or call the Governor at 518-474-8390 (dial 1 right away to leave a voicemail.)
Sample script: "Hello, I’m _____ and my zip code is _____. The legislature passed A.8888/S.8417, a bill that repeals the 100-foot rule. I'm calling to ask Governor Hochul (HOH-kull) to sign this bill into law before the end of the year. New Yorkers shouldn't be charged for gas pipes we don’t need! I'm asking the Governor to deliver on her promise to save us money and hold the utilities accountable! Thanks!"
2) Join the DEADLINE HOCHUL: MOBILIZATION LAUNCH CALL on 12/15 at 7 p.m. on Zoom
The call will feature Bill McKibben and Mark Ruffalo discussing the need for real climate leadership in NY and get everyone ready for the April 18 climate march–”Deadline Hochul”--in Albany.
RSVP link and more info: https://actionnetwork.org/events/deadline-hochul-campaign-launch
Take Action Today: Demand Congress Investigate Hegseth "War" Crimes
Since early September, Pete Hegseth’s “Department of War” has killed at least 87 people in strikes on boats in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean. The regime has claimed that these boats were carrying drugs destined for the US -- a claim that has been refuted by evidence in several cases, and wouldn’t justify the strikes, even if true.
Last week, we learned that the strikes began with an order by Pete Hegseth to leave no survivors. Consequently, shipwrecked survivors clinging to a burning craft were hit with a second strike. The incident would normally be considered a war crime, but this isn’t a war. Instead, the “double tap” strike likely qualifies as murder.
A world in which this regime can kill anyone it chooses, with no legal justification of any kind, is a world in which none of us are safe. And as Hegseth himself once said in a recently unearthed recording, “If you’re doing something that is just completely unlawful and ruthless, then there is a consequence for that.”
Amidst the lies and lawless actions by this regime, it’s vital that Congress launch immediate investigations into these operations and bring an end to these ruthless strikes. These investigations must be public -- Hegseth must testify under oath.
Then, during business hours, please use our scripts and call tools to place a call to your senators and representative.
We can’t let the Trump regime get away with bluster and excuses as it plans yet more strikes; we have to do everything we can to stop them.
Sum Up and Inspiration
Indivisibles are Not Backing Down
We hope you saw Ezra Levin's Monday email message about the attack that the Department of Justice, led by Pam Bondi, is preparing to wage against pro-democracy grassroots groups like Indivisible. Ezra wrote:
"Indivisible is not backing down -- we defend our rights by exercising them. I don’t know what precisely is coming next from the DOJ, including whether Indivisible will be among those targeted. What I can say is this: We will not be backing down. Speaking personally, our organizing this year has been the proudest work of my life. Indivisible will not be altering our strategy or tactics by one iota. We are going to continue to organize and exercise our free speech against this regime’s lawlessness. And we are going to continue to support those who do the same.
...As we prepare for 2026, Indivisible will continue to organize with and come to the support of our fellow pro-democracy leaders and organizers. “In solidarity” is not just an email sign-off for these newsletters -- it’s a core part of our pro-democracy, anti-regime, organizing philosophy.
So while the fascists rattle their sabers, we’re going to keep calm and carry on. I stand by what I wrote last week: This regime is weakened. It’s at its lowest point of popularity. It’s seen defeat after defeat electorally. And some of its staunchest supporters are fleeing the ship. Not only is it beatable, but we’re beating it. While elites in business and media and the courts have fallen over themselves to obey in advance, we organized. And it’s turning the tide."
Indivisibles (Fascism Fighters!) Live Longer and Better
Ezra also called attention to New research finds that organizing against the fascist takeover also helps you live longer.
Did you catch that? When you join with other people to fight for a values based cause together --not watching tv or reading news but actually showing up in person to volunteer--it has physical and cognitive benefits as you age. How about that?
Remember to take this one action today: Email and call your Members of Congress about Hegseth's murders at sea. It's a one click email to all three of our Members of Congress. Then three calls: to Sens. Gillbrand and Schumer and either Rep. Mannion or Rep. Stefanik. Remember, ALL congressional offices track phone calls.
Thank you for all you are doing. Let's keep it up!
"Grassroots activism has profound impact. The energy, passion, and determination of even a small group can change the course of a nation. When we invest in grassroots activism, we aren’t just reacting to the moment—we are shaping a future where democracy, freedom, and dignity can thrive." -Laurie Woodward Garcia
Website: indivisiblemv.org
Follow us on Bluesky: @Indivisiblemv.bsky.social, on Instagram's Threads.net/@indivisiblemohawkvalley, on X (Twitter) using @indivisiblemv and of course on our Facebook page and IMV Activism Group.
